Jay Barker’s Son Walks On At Alabama

Before National Signing Day on Wednesday, Alabama most likely got the biggest commitment out of the state. With a total of at least six quarterbacks on the 2018 spring roster along with Jalen Hurts and Tua Tagovailoa, there will be a seventh as far as we know as he comes from a legendary hero himself. Braxton Barker, who is the son of legendary quarterback Jay Barker committed to Alabama on Monday, but with Hurts, Tagovailoa and Mac Jones on scholarship, he will instead walk on.

Jay is the quarterback who played under Gene Stallings and led them to not only a win over Miami in the Sugar Bowl, but also led them to a national championship in 1992. Barker was a starter from 1992-94 and in four years at the Capstone, he played in 40 games total. 1994 was his best year where he threw for 1,996 yards and 14 touchdowns and was named 1994 SEC Player of the Year. His quarterback rating in 1994 was his career best with 151.7.

Braxton led Spain Park High School to the Alabama 7A Playoffs, throwing for 2,228 and 19 touchdowns. Barker looks to be only the third commit out of the state of Alabama, and most likely the first quarterback to join the 2018 class. As mentioned before, Alabama already has six on the roster before spring practice begins, so as a walk-on, Barker could redshirt and wait his turn since the main battle could be between Hurts and Tagovailoa, which could lead to a QB controversy.

The current roster will hold three sophomores and three juniors, with Barker being the only freshman. Though father Jay didn’t officially become a starter right away, Braxton’s time could come within a couple of years if not more if he is redshirted. Jay played nine games as a backup in 1991, throwing for only 551 yards and a touchdown, so much likely with patience, Braxton’s time will eventually come.